While it may seem like a harmless position to be in all day, sitting all day is awful for one’s health.  For the past eight months, the world has been transitioning to the “new normal” that is so often referred to. In the United States, many companies have made the decision to have their employees work from home in order to reduce the chance of the virus spreading.  Research has been conducted on the effects of sitting for long periods of time throughout the day for years, but with the growing numbers of stay at home employee’s this information is more important than ever.

Sitting may be linked to the development of chronic disease

A lack of activity in one’s life has been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney, and liver problems. The decrease in physical activity can effect one’s blood pressure which leads to a higher risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.

Research shows that there is a link between cancer and the lack of physical activity.  The reason is still being updated, but according to the American Cancer Society, one possible explanation is that sitting effects the immune system and hormone levels which leads to increased chances of the development of cancer (Simon, 2018).

(Lam, G. 2018)

Sitting may increase chances of developing a breathing disorder

After sitting all day, it is inevitable that you will start to slump after time.  This slumping decreases the space that your lungs have to expand, meaning that you are not able to breathe as well.  After time, this reduced space can lead to the development of a breathing disorder.

Sitting may make it harder for your brain to function.

In order for our brains to function, they need air. As mentioned in the previous section, sitting can effect how well you are breathing.  According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, this decreased amount of air can lead to changes in the function of the brain (US. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018).  Functions such as  how fast information can be processed, memory, attention, and so on will be effected.

Now that you have heard all of the nerve-wracking information, what do you do?

Exercise! 

According to The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should be completing 150 to 300 hours of physical activity per week.  The guidelines focus on aerobic exercise (cardio) and strengthening muscles as the best forms of physical activity (US. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). This means that the average adult should exercise at least 20 minutes a day.

Adjust your work environment!

Adjusting your work environment will decrease the effect that sitting has on the muscles and bones over time.

Chair:

• • • • • • • • Feet on the floor
              • Eyes level with the top of the monitor.
              • Arm rests should allow arms to rest flat without any rising of the shoulders
              • Back should be supportive and keep your back up straight

Desk:

• • • • • • • • If sitting, the desk height should be level with arm rests
              • If using a sit-to stand desk, keep the top of the monitor level with the eyes

(Work-Fit, 2018)

Move around!

Every hour, take 5 to 10 minutes to walk around, stretch, or just stand!

References

Albarrati, A., Zafar, H., Alghadir, A. H., & Anwer, S. (2018). Effect of Upright and Slouched Sitting Postures on the Respiratory Muscle Strength in Healthy Young Males. BioMed research international, 2018, 3058970. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3058970

Dorsey, J. (2020). Home office ergonomic tips. American Occupational Therapy Association. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Manage/Home-Office-Ergonomics-Tips.pdf

González, K., Fuentes, J., & Márquez, J. L. (2017). Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior and Chronic Diseases. Korean journal of family medicine, 38(3), 111–115. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2017.38.3.111

Levine, J. (Director). (2014). Sitting Disease [Video file]. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRD_a4KQoI

Muehlhan, M., Marxen, M., Landsiedel, J., Malberg, H., & Zaunseder, S. (2014). The effect of body posture on cognitive performance: a question of sleep quality. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 171. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00171

Murat, D. (Director). (2015). Why sitting is bad for you [Video file]. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUEl8KrMz14

Piercy KL, Troiano RP, Ballard RM, Carlson SA, Fulton JE, Galuska DA, George SM, Olson RD. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. JAMA. 2018 Nov 20;320(19):2020-2028. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.14854. PMID: 30418471.

Simon, S. (2018, June 29). Sitting Time Linked to Higher Risk of Death from All Causes. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/sitting-time-linked-to-higher-risk-of-death-from-all-causes.html

By: Mike Cohen

Mental health is a crucial component of one’s medical health. It’s often not discussed or has a history of being looked down upon or seen as taboo. Often times the media displays depression or the act of suicide as something to not be discussed and kept secret. Teenagers are extremely at risk for mental health issues, especially depression, and even more so in today’s society on top of dealing with the coronavirus and isolation. The most important thing to do is to begin the conversation about these feelings and keep an open set of eyes.

What can I look for?

Depression can be silent or it can manifest in many different signs that you can watch out for. Some things to watch: some can appear outright sad, withdraw from friends or activities, act out, and be irritable or angry (Escalante, 2020). The best thing to do is to ask and check in from time to time on your child and allow them to express their emotions freely and feel heard.

A good mnemonic to memorize… IS PATH WARM

What is the right thing to say?

There is no ‘right thing to say’. Often times, parents try and say ‘well it could be worse’ or compare their feelings, however small or big, to other situations. Allow the child to feel their feelings and realize that even if it’s a little problem for you- it’s big to them. Do not try and ‘fix’ them, and do not ignore them and hope it will go away. Be there for them as a support system, and allow them to go through their emotions. Do not assume this is an attention-seeking behavior, this is a cry for help and there are many other ways to get attention. Provide them a separate outlet such as a journal, or a counselor to further express themselves and work through their thoughts.

How do I treat it?

Different things work for different people, and there’s no exact ‘treatment’. Certain people talk therapy and working with a therapist may work and for some people, medication may work. Some may require inpatient or outpatient treatment. Depression may be a life-long diagnosis that requires work to maintain.

Depression can impact anyone, at any age. Creating an open environment and allowing expression of feelings, and allowing people to FEEL their feelings is key. The suicide prevention lifeline has been trying to bring awareness and truth to this matter for years and will continue to, but needs everyone’s help and support. Visit this link to go to this organization for more information for if you or someone you know needs help.

References

Adler, A., Bush, A., Barg, F. K., Weissinger, G., Beck, A. T., & Brown, G. K. (2016). A Mixed 
Methods Approach to Identify Cognitive Warning Signs for Suicide Attempts. Archives 
of Suicide Research : Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide  
Research, 20(4), 528–538. h

Escalante, A. (2020). Why Kids’ Depression Goes Unnoticed: Parents miss signs of depression in 
their child far more than they realize. Even the most well-meaning can shut down             communication in ways that subvert their good intentions. Psychology Today, 53(2), 46– 
 48.

McSWAIN, S., LESTER, D., & GUNN III, J. F. (2012). Warning Signs for Suicide in Internet 
Forums. Psychological Reports, 111(1), 186–188.

What is Child Abuse ?

Child abuse is when a parent, caregiver, friend, or family member intentionally or unintentionally causes injury, emotional harm, physical harm, or death to a child. Child abuse is a critical problem in the united states and is defined by the federal and state level.  

4 Major Types of Child Abuse

• Neglect
•   Sexual Abuse
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse
• Physical Abuse

What is Physical Abuse?

Physical abuse is a harmful activity that causes the child pain even if not purposeful. The injury may be the result of hitting, biting, burning, slapping, or even death, depending on the severity.

Signs of Physical Abuse:

• Physical, observable marks i.e. bite marks, burns, welts, and bruises
• Fear of adults or authoritative figures
• Fear of being in the presences of the person casing physical abuse

Physical Punishment VS Physical Abuse:

Physical abuse involves the act of injury and or aggression directed at a child, causing them physical harm. Physical punishment is the act of physical force intended to cause bodily pain, not to cause bodily injury with the intent to correct the child. However, the line between physical punishment and physical abuse is a thin one and can quickly escalate.

What is Sexual Abuse ?

Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact between a child and an adult. Sexual abuse is never the fault of the child regardless of their sexual behaviors, actions, and or reactions.

Some Types of Sexual Abuse:

• Penetration
• Fondling
• Intercourse
• Oral sex
• Rape
• Exposing children to adult sexuality

Sexual Child Abusers Can Be:

• Parents/Guardians Siblings
• Relatives
• Strangers
• Teachers
• Coaches

Signs of Sexual Abuse:

• Fear or avoidance of a particular person
• Inappropriate interest in sexual behaviors
• Sexual abuse can cause life-lasting effects such as PTSD and fear of intimacy.

What is neglect ?

Neglect is the act of failing to provide a child with basic needs. Neglect is the most common type of child abuse but is not always noticeable. There are three main types of neglect physical neglect, emotional neglect, and educational neglect.

•  Physical Neglect- is the act of failing to provide food, clothing, the appropriate shelter that demonstrates safety and hygienic needs, and medical attention as needed.
• Emotional Neglect- is the act of failing to provide a child with emotional support, affection, and love.
• Educational Neglect-is the act of failing to have a school-aged child attend school to provide education.

Signs of Neglect:

• Lack of hygiene Lack of appropriate clothing
• Excessive hunger Lack of Shelter

What is Emotional Abuse ?

Is the act of psychological and emotional abuse by a person in the form of attitudes, behaviors, and or speech that negatively affects the child? Emotional abuse can be from that of a parent/guardian, a bully at school, a teacher, or a sibling. Emotional abuse can cause emotional development delays.

National Child abuse Hotline (1800) 4-A-CHILD

References:

Brazier, Y. (2018, June 25). Child abuse: Types, signs, and reporting possible abuse. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241532

Perlstein, D. (2017, November 21). What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Signs and Prevention. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.emedicinehealth.com/child_abuse/article_em.htm

Queensland, T. (2018, March 20). Types of child abuse. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/child-abuse-types

https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/

What is Cerebral Palsy 

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for a collection of disorders that relate to abnormal brain development that affect the individuals ability to move and maintain posture/balance. The term umbrella means that it encompasses both mild to severe cases of CP. Cerebral Palsy does not get worse over time because the lesions in the brain do not increase in size with time. However, the exact symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime.

Some children with CP have weakness and poor motor control of one arm and one leg on the same side of the body (called hemiparesis), and in other children there is increased tone (spasticity) or will have weak limbs (hyoptonia). Typically, there is normal intelligence with different types of motor disability, which can vary from quite mild and barely noticeable to very profound. Depending on the severity of the problem, a child with cerebral palsy may simply be a little clumsy or awkward, or he may be unable to walk. While many of these children understand language, their ability to produce speech may be affected (slurred).

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Depending on the symptoms of CP, treatment may involve early intervention along with therapy (physical, occupational, and speech therapy). This way there are ways to provide equipment necessary to increase function, such a a specialized wheelchair or walking sticks to aid with walking.

.       

Living with Cerebral Palsy 

References

Alliance, C. (n.d.). How does cerebral palsy affect people? Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/our-research/about-cerebral-palsy/what-is-cerebral-palsy/how-cerebral-palsy-affects-people/

What is Cerebral Palsy? (2020, September 11). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html

What are common treatments for cerebral palsy? (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/cerebral-palsy/conditioninfo/treatments

Photo Source: © Hung Chung Chih – Shutterstock.com

How can our environment be the source of our illnesses? Surprisingly, it is. Have you ever wondered why some locations have more citizens with a particular condition or disease? Even though these citizens do not share the same genetics, they share the same illnesses. Why is that? Well, the common factor is their environment. Our air, soil, and water impact our health more than we may realize. The environment has significant effects on the quality of our life. One of the largest environmental factors is air pollution.

What is air pollution? 

Air pollution is harmful environmental substances that come in multiple forms, whether it’s gases, liquids, or harmful solids. Large amounts of pollutants released into the air are detrimental to the public’s health. Air pollution is the leading public health hazard, resulting in 9 million deaths annually.

Who causes air pollution? 

We do! Air pollution is caused by human activities, which negatively impact the environment by contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we use to grow plants and food. Air pollution sources include industry and energy supply, transportation, waste management, household energy, farming practices, and dust. These environmental pollutants are emitted on a large scale through human activities. Therefore, human activities are the major contributors to air pollution, with vehicles responsible for an estimated 80% of today’s pollution.

What diseases are linked to air pollution?

Air pollution has significant adverse health effects in early life, causing respiratory, heart, mental, and perinatal disorders, in turn, leading to deaths in infancy or chronic disease in adult age. Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, coughing, and wheezing. In comparison, air pollution’s long-term health effects include neurological disorders, heart diseases, respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, and even death.

How can we improve the public’s health?

Decreasing the number of pollutant emissions in the air by reducing the use of reusable fuels, walking and cycling more, proper storage of toxic substances, and disposal of waste appropriately to preserve our water resources. Introduce and use of clean energy technologies. At the same time, continuing to monitor air quality to maintain it below the recommended levels. Therefore subsequently reducing air pollution and chronic diseases linked to the pollutants.

References 

National Geographic. (2017, October 16). Air Pollution 101 [Video]. YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6rglsLy1Ys

Kelly, F. J., & Fussell, J. C. (2015). Air pollution and public health: emerging hazards and improved understanding of risk. Environmental geochemistry and health, 37(4), 631–649. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-015-9720-1.

Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2020). Environmental and health impacts of air pollution: A review. Frontiers in public health, 8, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00014.

WHO. (2016, April 20). WHO: Preventing disease through healthy environments [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tupJDf13jBo&loop=1

WHO. (2018, March 13). WHO: Breathe Life – How air pollution impacts your body [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVBeY1jSG9Y.

Sun, Z., & Zhu, D. (2019). Exposure to outdoor air pollution and its human health outcomes: A scoping review. PLoS ONE 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216550

You might have heard about this product from your friend, your coworker, your dog walker, maybe even your grandmother. You’ve seen it on the news, on the shelves, and in lotions, beer, and dog treats. CBD. An increasingly popular topic, it comes with some pretty strong testimonials, like this from comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan. 

These statements are echoed in hundreds of personal accounts all over the internet. Let’s take a look at another. 

There are a lot of claims made in those few minutes! When so many people struggle daily with symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, and other often debilitating symptoms, it can be easy to look for a cure all.  Half the battle is knowing what your buying, how it works, and what it does. If that seems overwhelming, fear not! Read on to find out about what CBD is, how it is used, and whether or not the research backs up all these claims.

By: Elsa Olofsson

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 compound cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It accounts for up to 40% of the plant that can be extracted. It is not mind altering, that’s Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

How does it work? 

Our body has what is called the endocannabinoid system, which has receptors which govern all sorts of fun processes in our body. CBD binds to these receptors and assists them in regulating all these vital areas of our nervous system. Look at the picture below for a better idea of what is at work in the endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System and Receptors

How do you take it?

CBD can be inhaled, as in smoking; applied topically, like in lotions; ingested orally, in a gummy or other form; or taken sublingually, meaning under the tongue. 

Is it legal?

CBD is illegal at the federal level. However, most states have legalized it in its hemp based source, which you would buy in a store, and the medical grade, which you would buy in a dispensary. For more detailed information about whether CBD is legal and for what purposes, check this website.

What is it used for? 

Claims have been made that range from minor to mountainous in regards to the potential benefits of CBD, from reducing eczema when used topically to curing Alzheimer’s disorder.

Let’s focus on the facts. 

CBD is only FDA approved to treat two rare and severe forms of seizure disorder that were otherwise not being addressed through medication properly. Otherwise, it is considered a supplement. Through the videos above we heard claims that focused on CBD being effective for anxiety and inflammation. 

Research on these subjects was gathered to investigate these claims. This is not a complete list but gives an overview of some of the findings about CBD’s effects. 

Anxiety: 

By: Topher McCulloch

Multiple studies were found for this review regarding the effects of CBD on anxiety. Overall, there was promising evidence in both human and animal trials. An interesting study formulated a “healthy” group, i.e. a group with no members reporting significant anxiety symptoms in general or with public speaking, and two anxiety groups, one given a placebo and one given CBD. The placebo group was noted to have increases in anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in speech performance, while the CBD dosed group performed at the same levels as the group with no anxiety.

Various other studies and literature reviews echoed the same results. CBD was proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety relevant to multiple disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder and noted a lack of negative effects.

Inflammation and Pain: 

Inflammation is caused by the body triggering an immune response to whatever it identifies as an enemy. It produces increased white blood cells as protectors. It has a variety of symptoms that can be short and long term, including pain, redness, swelling, and fatigue. CBD was shown to suppress the inflammatory response and turn on multiple anti-inflammatory pathways in the body. CBD was shown to reduce pain response and even limit opioid dependence in trials. 

What does this all mean? 

Overall, in the articles reviewed, CBD was shown to have an effect on anxiety, pain, and inflammation. There is some evidence of positive effects for mood symptoms and sleep disturbance, but overall one thing is clear. More research is needed to be sure of short and long term effects. In multiple studies, the only side effect found was fatigue and was attributed to potential issues with dosing. One study noted side effects of low blood pressure, dry mouth, and lightheadedness. While this does not mean that the results found should be ignored, it is always important to understand that new products take time to become established. For more information on this, you can visit the FDA’s website on CBD. 

So, you’re ready to take the jump.

You watched the videos, you read about the research, and some of you are saying, “Yes, this sounds great, I want in!” Here are a few ways to ensure you are buying products that are safe and effective. 

1. Start Low, Go Slow: begin with a low dose and increase gradually as you determine the effects on your body. 
2. Make sure it has a label: you should be able to see what is in the product and get an FDA disclaimer.
3. Certified: your product should have a certificate or stamp that proves its quality. Check the website to find out more. 
4. Ingredient check: ensure that there are not a high number of other “fillers” in the product you are buying
5. Quality over quantity: CBD is difficult to extract. Expect to pay at least $50 for a product of any quality. 
6. Third party tested: Find out if your product is tested by a non biased third party.
7. Batch number: your product should have a batch number. Check to ensure that if there was quality testing done that your batch number was included. Some companies will get testing and then the products produced afterwards are not held to the same standard! 
8. Full spectrum or isolate? Some products are 100% CBD and some have other cannabinoids, this may effect dosing. Be aware of what you are buying.
9. Where are you buying it? Avoid gas station products. Grocery stores are typically safe as Health.com says and they “do the legwork for you” in researching the product safety. 
10. If it claims to cure disease, stay away!

By: Matthias Ripp

Remember: CBD, like everything else, is different for everyone. Consult a doctor if you are taking medications and want to take this supplement.  CBD can interact with certain medications. While research is promising, it is important to monitor your body and know what feels right for you. Be well. 

References

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future medicinal chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041

Bergamaschi, M., Costa Quieroz, R., Chaves, M., Gomez de Oliviera, D., Spinosa de Martinis, B., Kapczinski, F., . . . Crippa, J. (2011). Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(1219-1226). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.6

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease in which vascular tissue is damaged and collagen is overproduced (Oksel, 2020.) There are two form of this condition; systemic and localized. While there are treatments for this disease, there is currently no cure.

Systemic Scleroderma, also known as Systemic Sclerosis, primarily effects multiple organ systems, such as the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and heart. One of most common manifestations of Systemic Scleroderma is Reynaud’s phenomenon. This is a condition where not enough blood is pumping to areas of the body like fingers and toes. This results in these areas going numb and turning blue. Approximately 80% of individuals with the disease are women (Thombs et al., 2019). This form of the disease is rare and has no cure, therefore depression and anxiety are also frequently associated with Systemic Scleroderma. There is still little information and support available for those with the disease, so as a healthcare provider, is is essential that patient care and disease management are a top priority. Although there is no cure, there are treatments available that allow the patient to live a more comfortable life (Oksel, 2020).

Localized Scleroderma is the other form of the disease, and unlike systemic sclerosis, it does not tend to affect many organ systems other then the skin. It can vary from mild to severe, and have little effect on an individuals life or a more significant one. In certain cases, those who have Localized Scleroderma will have facial deformities and/or joint contractures. This can lead to an impairment in mobility, however, studies have shown that majority of those with this disease have no issues with mobility or usual daily activities. Localized Scleroderma can have three different forms:

• Circumscribed morphea: This form of the disease manifests with discolored patches of skin that can vary in size and amount that present. They tend to have a red border and thickened pale center.
• Generalized Morphea: Multiple patches of discolored skin, also known as plaques, in multiple areas of the body, such as arms, head or neck. They tend to be tight patches and can blend in together.
• Linear Morphea: This manifests as tight, thick bands that can appear on any parts of the body, including face, back, and extremeties. It can result in facial deformity, appearing as a line down the face. It can cause certain areas of the body affected by the disease to not develop with the rest of the body (Szczech et al., 2020).

Although both forms of Scleroderma are treatable, neither are curable. Treatments can vary depending on the individual, and mostly aim at managing the symptoms. For Reynauds Phenomenon, treatment is simple and consists of wearing gloves, using hand warmers and keeping warm. Smoking cessation is also essential, as it can help prevent constriction of blood vessels which would further prevent blood from reaching the fingers and toes. For dry skin, they recommend using lotion and in severe cases, a topical corticosteroid. For any gastrointestinal issues or esophageal problems, its recommended to avoid spicy foods, peppermint and caffeine. A medication like Prilosec may be prescribed to assist with the reflux due to the esophageal dysfunction. It is also recommended that Scleroderma patients monitor their blood pressure and invest in a dipstick to monitor their urine for any renal, or kidney, issues. Methotrexate has shown to improve tightened skin in certain patients and NSAID’s such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation (Joslin, 2004).

References